Journal of the Bahrain Medical Society
Year 2025, Volume 37, Issue 3, Pages 1-8
https://doi.org/10.26715/JBMS.37_3_1Sara J. Mohamed1, Aayat E Faraj1, Naji M Alamuddin1,2, Nitya Kumar1, Elias Fadel3, John G Flood1,2
1School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain
2Department of Internal Medicine, King Hamad University Hospital, Kingdom of Bahrain
3Department of Oncology, Bahrain Oncology Centre, Kingdom of Bahrain
Received date: Apr 18, 2025; Accepted date: Aug 28, 2025; Published date: December 31, 2025
Abstract
Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. Its rising incidence is primarily attributed to the increased use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed for unrelated medical conditions. In this study, we aimed to examine two key aspects: first, the incidence of thyroid cancer in Bahrain, and second, the demographics, modes of presentation, histological subtypes, and treatment modalities among affected patients.
Methods: Data were retrospectively collected using the electronic files of patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer and discussed at the National Tumour Board (NTB) in Bahrain between 2019 and 2021. A total of 179 patients were included. Extracted parameters, where available, included patient demographics, risk factors, age at diagnosis, clinical presentation, tumour characteristics, stage at diagnosis, and treatments performed. IBM SPSS Statistics software was used for descriptive analysis.
Results: Thyroid cancer had an estimated average annual incidence rate of 4.01 new cases per 100,000 person-years, equivalent to approximately 0.004% of the population per year. The majority of cases occurred in Bahraini females, predominantly aged 35–64 years. Most patients had a body mass index of 25–29.9 and typically presented with asymptomatic neck swelling. Papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common histological subtype. Most patients underwent total thyroidectomy as their primary treatment.
Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of early detection strategies. Further research is warranted to explore the impact of lifestyle factors and long-term treatment outcomes.